Technical Student Movement has announced a nationwide protest on Friday, modeling it after the symbolic “Shroud Movement” of 1987. Polytechnic students across the country will wear shrouds on their heads and march in unison after Jummah prayers. The students also staged torch marches protesting deceptive meetings by the Education Ministry and attacks on demonstrators in Cumilla.

Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh is working to reduce its trade deficit with the US by diversifying exports. He mentioned attempts to revive GSP privileges and highlighted planned discussions with the World Bank, ADB, IMF, and OPEC Fund regarding budget support and project financing. Potential deals may also be reached concerning the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, despite existing sanctions. Private sector partnerships, particularly in the energy sector, are also being explored.

On the transshipment issue, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal advised observers to consider events on the Bangladeshi side leading up to India’s decision to cancel the facility. While noting that exports to Nepal and Bhutan would remain unaffected, he reiterated India’s interest in maintaining constructive relations with Bangladesh and enhancing regional trade. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi trade officials estimate an added cost of BDT 2,000 crore due to the withdrawal.

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna has said that disagreements between political parties and the interim government are becoming increasingly evident. “Ultimately, we must return to democracy to resolve the current crisis. Dialogue is the only way forward,” he stated. Commenting on international issues, Manna condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza, calling it an unparalleled atrocity in modern history. “Words fail to describe the suffering of the Palestinian people. We stand in solidarity with the struggle for an independent Palestine,” he said.

During a meeting with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus emphasized strengthening bilateral relations to unlock trade and business potential. He stated, “We must find ways to overcome obstacles and move forward.” Baloch echoed his sentiments, stressing the need to utilize the region’s vast market and encourage private sector engagement and cultural exchange between the two countries. The leaders also pledged continued collaboration in multilateral forums like SAARC, OIC, and D-8.

Petitioners in India’s Supreme Court sought a stay on the Waqf Act, but the court declined to issue one. However, the justices considered issuing an interim order with three key points. The move was postponed after the central government’s legal representatives requested more time to present their explanation. The matter will be heard again on Thursday.

The proposed interim directives include:
1. No land or institution currently declared as Waqf property can be declassified as non-Waqf during the pendency of the case.
2. District Magistrates may investigate Waqf-related properties but cannot issue any binding orders.
3. Members of Waqf Boards and Councils must be Muslim, although non-Muslims may join only by virtue of holding specific offices.

On the occasion of Historic Mujibnagar Day, Adviser Faruk-E-Azam paid tribute at the Mujibnagar Memorial on April 17. Speaking at the event, he expressed deep concern over individuals falsely identifying themselves as freedom fighters, calling it “shameful.” He stated that actions have already been taken against fake freedom fighters.

Referring to the Mujibnagar Government formed on April 17, 1971, at the mango orchard in Meherpur, he called it a heroic and historic chapter in Bangladesh’s journey to independence. “The Mujibnagar government was internationally recognized and played a key role in organizing the Liberation War,” he said.

He also clarified that the current government has no intention of renaming the Mujibnagar Government, emphasizing, “History cannot be erased. It must be preserved in its rightful place.” Additionally, he noted that there are over 2,700 legal cases pending, many related to this issue, and the government is waiting for court verdicts.

The government has decided to amend the Bank Resolution Act and modernize judicial processes, Environment Adviser Rizwana Hasan announced. “The judiciary remains largely outdated. From now on, court summons can be issued via phone calls, SMS, or other modern devices,” she said. Information related to cases can also be sent via email or WhatsApp. The government has also approved key policy-level amendments to the colonial-era Civil Procedure Code (CPC), aiming to ease case backlogs. “Previously, after a verdict, a new suit had to be filed for execution. Now, execution clauses will be included in the original verdict,” she explained. The amendment to the Bank Resolution Act will enhance the powers of Bangladesh Bank and help curb financial irregularities.

Traffic on the road from Khilkhet to Kuril and Bashundhara will be suspended for 29 hours from 7 PM on April 17 to midnight on April 18 due to utility relocation work for the MRT Line-1 project. Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited has advised commuters to take alternate routes, including using the U-turn in front of Radisson Hotel and Kuril Flyover.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that the government of Bangladesh strongly condemns the recent attacks on Muslims in India and calls for full protection of the minority community. Dhaka urged both the central Indian government and the West Bengal state government to ensure the safety of Muslim citizens. The interim government also vehemently protested attempts to link Bangladesh to communal violence in Murshidabad, where Indian security forces reportedly opened fire on a Muslim protest linked to the Wakf Bill.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a meeting with a visiting US delegation led by Deputy Assistant Secretaries Nicole A. Chulick and Andrew Herrup. During the discussion, the US expressed strong support for Bangladesh’s ongoing reform initiatives and praised the country for sheltering 1.2 million Rohingya refugees. The Chief Adviser highlighted the identification of 180,000 Rohingyas for repatriation to Rakhine as a significant step forward. Nicole Chulick commended Bangladesh’s holistic approach to the Myanmar crisis. Dr. Yunus expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for reinstating Rohingya aid and granting additional tariff waivers. He also voiced support for Trump-era trade policies.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia may return to the country at any time next month, according to Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Speaking to the media, he said, “I visited Khaleda Zia recently to check on her health. Since we couldn’t meet in Bangladesh, it was purely a courtesy call—there was no formal discussion.” He added that Khaleda Zia is recovering and preparing to return to Bangladesh.

In a significant diplomatic move, Bangladesh has called on Pakistan to formally apologize for the 1971 genocide and return $4.2 billion in assets that belonged to Bangladesh before independence. The appeal was made during the first foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries in 15 years. Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary stated that Pakistan has shown initial willingness to engage in discussions on both demands. The two nations also expressed interest in strengthening trade, connectivity, and cooperation in education, agriculture, and transportation. The talks mark a thaw in bilateral relations, which have seen improvement since the change in government in Dhaka last year. Direct shipping routes have resumed, and Bangladesh has eased visa processes for Pakistani citizens to further boost engagement.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained two Bangladeshi nationals on Wednesday in Bakshiganj, Jamalpur, as they attempted to illegally cross the border into India. Further investigations are ongoing.

Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan revealed plans to establish a ‘Blue Network’ encircling Dhaka by restoring and freeing canals and rivers from encroachment and pollution. Six canals are currently under excavation, with a total of 19 targeted for restoration this year. Work will also begin to save four rivers—Buriganga, Turag, Balu, and Shitalakkhya. She appealed for World Bank assistance in this effort during a meeting with their representatives.